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    Does the iPhone SE Have eSIM?

    The iPhone SE 2nd generation (2020) and 3rd generation (2022) both support eSIM. The original 2016 iPhone SE does not.

    This is the one Apple model where the answer genuinely depends on which version you own, because all three generations are called "iPhone SE". The 2nd generation (2020) and 3rd generation (2022) have eSIM. The 1st generation (2016) has no eSIM chip at all.

    The quickest test is the EID row in Settings > General > About. If it is there, you have a 2020 or 2022 SE and you are good to go.

    iPhone SE generations and eSIM support

    ModeleSIM support
    iPhone SE 3rd gen (2022)eSIM + nano-SIM, 5G
    iPhone SE 2nd gen (2020)eSIM + nano-SIM, 4G only
    iPhone SE 1st gen (2016)No eSIM — physical nano-SIM only
    iPhone SE (mainland China models)No eSIM

    Regional caveats and limits

    • The 2016 iPhone SE has no eSIM hardware, and no iOS update can add it.
    • Mainland-China SE models ship without eSIM.
    • Only one eSIM is active at a time, alongside the physical nano-SIM.
    • The phone must be carrier-unlocked — SE handsets are frequently sold on carrier contracts and stay locked.
    • The 2nd generation is 4G only; the 3rd generation adds 5G.

    How to set up an eSIM on iPhone SE

    1. Confirm you have an EID in Settings > General > About.
    2. Connect to Wi-Fi and turn off any VPN.
    3. Settings > Cellular > Add Cellular Plan, then scan your QR code.
    4. Label the plan and leave your home line as the default for calls.
    5. On arrival, select the travel plan for Cellular Data and enable Data Roaming on it.

    Frequently asked questions

    Does the iPhone SE have eSIM?

    The 2020 (2nd gen) and 2022 (3rd gen) models do. The original 2016 iPhone SE does not.

    How do I tell which iPhone SE I have?

    Settings > General > About. If an EID row appears, it is a 2020 or 2022 model with eSIM. You can also check the model number against Apple's identification page.

    Does the iPhone SE 2022 support eSIM?

    Yes. The 3rd-generation SE supports one active eSIM plus a physical nano-SIM, and it is 5G capable.

    Can the iPhone SE use two eSIMs?

    No. One eSIM plus one physical SIM can be active at a time.

    What replaced the iPhone SE?

    Apple discontinued the SE line and replaced it with the iPhone 16e in 2025, which supports eSIM.

    If your iPhone SE supports eSIM, a Wanderly travel plan installs in a couple of minutes and keeps your home number active.

    Browse plans by destination

    Not sure which iPhones support eSIM?

    Our full breakdown covers every eSIM-capable iPhone model and how to check yours.

    Read: Which iPhones have eSIM?

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